May 19 2011
3M today introduced the new high-performance 3M Wind Blade Bonding Adhesive W1101, a two-part epoxy paste adhesive for global wind turbine blade manufacturers.
The 3M Wind Blade Bonding Adhesive W1101 is the newest addition to 3M's broad technology portfolio for the wind industry and is a unique offering from the 3M Renewable Energy Division. Designed to help increase manufacturing productivity, the new adhesive offers blade manufacturers reduced process times and increased durability and crack resistance.
"3M has been advancing adhesive technologies for nearly a century and is a leader in adhesives for the industrial, aerospace and electronics industries. We bring this rich history to all of our wind adhesive offerings," said Aaron Koslowski, Global Business Manager for the 3M Wind Energy business. "This new wind blade bonding adhesive exemplifies 3M's ability to help our wind manufacturing customers increase throughput without major retooling efforts or other costly line improvements."
The 3M Wind Blade Bonding Adhesive W1101 provides a significantly faster cure speed for blade manufacturers, approximately two to four hours faster than the industry standard epoxy adhesive. By reducing the time needed for adhesive curing in the mold, new blades can be manufactured at an accelerated rate. Additionally, the 3M Wind Blade Bonding Adhesive W1101 has an equivalent pot life and peak cure temperature compared to the industry standard adhesive. A faster complete cure time allows for higher manufacturing throughput.
The new adhesive also offers improved mechanical properties, including increased toughness which should lead to better crack resistance. The adhesive displays 200% higher peel strength and 75% higher fracture energy compared to the industry standard adhesive.
The 3M Wind Blade Bonding Adhesive W1101 is GL certified.
3M's Renewable Energy Division encompasses two major business units: Energy Generation and Energy Conservation. With a variety of new and existing product offerings, 3M is bringing more than 100 years of expertise in coatings, film, tape, adhesive and optical technologies to the rapidly expanding renewable energy market worldwide.